This specification covers a general classification system for crosslinkable ethylene plastics compounds. Two types of compounds are covered, namely, mechanical types in which mechanical strength properties are of prime importance in applications, and electrical types in which electrical insulating or conducting properties also are of prime importance in applications. These compounds shall be classified as: Type I; Type II; and Grade A. Tests shall be performed to determine the properties in accordance with the following test methods: conditioning; test conditions; ultimate elongation; elongation retention after aging; apparent modulus of rigidity; brittleness temperature; dielectric constant; dissipation factor; and degree of crosslinking.

1.1 This specification covers a general classification system for crosslinkable ethylene plastics compounds (Note 1). The requirements specified herein are not necessarily applicable for use as criteria in determining suitability for the end use of a fabricated product.

Note 1: It is to be noted that this specification describes materials that are available commercially in their uncrosslinked form. Therefore, they are crosslinkable compounds despite the fact that measurement of the parameters used for their classification and specification will usually be carried out after curing has been effected.

1.2 Two types of compounds are covered, namely, mechanical types in which mechanical strength properties are of prime importance in applications, and electrical types in which electrical insulating or conducting properties also are of prime importance in applications.

1.3 The parameters used to classify and specify the mechanical types are ultimate elongation, elongation retention after aging, apparent modulus of rigidity, and brittleness temperature.

1.4 The parameters used to classify and specify the electrical types are ultimate elongation, elongation retention after aging, apparent modulus of rigidity, brittleness temperature, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and volume resistivity.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 2: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.